Flower pot holder

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for holding a flower pot comprises an object holding device and a plate. The object holding device is dimensioned to conform to the rim of the flower pot. The plate is affixed to the object holding device such that a first flat major surface of the plate extends radially out from the object holding device and the first flat major surface is orthogonal to the cross-section of the object holding device. A first clipping device is affixed to and extends from the first flat major surface of the plate. Similarly, a second clipping device is affixed to and extends from the first flat major surface of the plate. The first and second clipping devices are fixedly positioned in spaced apart opposing fashion so as to form a vertical channel therethrough when oriented such that the cross section of the object holding device extends horizontally out from the plate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/496,723, filed on Jun. 14, 2011, entitled“FLOWER POT HOLDER,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Various aspects of the present invention relate generally to supportstructures for items such as flower pots, and more specifically toself-supporting holders that temporarily mount on a baluster withoutrequiring fasteners or other external devices for securement.

A baluster, such as typically found on stairways, decks, fences andother structures, provides a convenient location that is suitable fordecoration. For instance, a baluster may be decorated by hanging orotherwise suspending items such as potted plants, flowers, art or otherdecorative items. In order to decorate such areas, a support structuresuch as a bracket or holder may be attached to the baluster, from whichthe decorative item is suspended.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various aspects of the present invention, an apparatus forholding a flower pot comprises an object holding device and a plate. Theobject holding device is dimensioned to conform to the rim of the flowerpot. The plate is affixed to the object holding device such that a firstflat major surface of the plate extends radially out from the objectholding device and is orthogonal to the cross-section of the objectholding device. To mount the holder to a baluster, a first clippingdevice is affixed to and extends from the first flat major surface ofthe plate. Similarly, a second clipping device is affixed to and extendsfrom the first flat major surface of the plate. The first and secondclipping devices are fixedly positioned in spaced apart opposing fashionso as to form a vertical channel therethrough when oriented such thatthe cross section of the object holding device extends horizontally outfrom the plate. As such, the vertical channel has a fixed cross-section.In this manner, the apparatus temporarily secures to a baluster wheninstalled such that the baluster passes through the channel, even whilethe object holding device is empty.

According to further aspects of the present invention, a holdercomprises an object holding device defining a ring having rim, and aplate that extends radially out from the rim of the ring. The plate hasa first flat surface oriented orthogonal to the cross section of therim. Additionally, the holder includes a first clipping device having afirst member and a second member. The first member has a lengthextending out from the plate orthogonal to the first flat surface andthe second member extends out from the end of the first member in adirection orthogonal to the length of the first member and towards therim. The holder also includes a second clipping device having a firstmember and a second member. The first member has a length extending outfrom the plate orthogonal to the first flat surface and the secondmember extends out from the end of the first member in a directionorthogonal to the length of the first member and away from the rim. Thefirst clipping device and the second clipping device are so positionedon the plate so as to form a channel therebetween.

The holder is temporarily installable onto a baluster such that thebaluster passes through the channel and the flat surface of the plate isadjacent a first side of the baluster, the first member of the firstclipping device is adjacent to a second side of the baluster, both thesecond member of the first clipping device and the second member of thesecond clipping device are adjacent to a third side of the baluster andthe first member of the second clipping device is adjacent to a fourthside of the baluster.

According to yet further aspects of the present invention, an apparatusfor holding a flower pot is provided, where the apparatus attaches to abaluster having a first, second, third and four side. The apparatuscomprises an object holding device and a plate affixed to the objectholding device. The object holding device is dimensioned to conform tothe rim of the flower pot. The plate comprises a first horizontal side,a second horizontal side, a first vertical side, and a second verticalside. A first clipping device is affixed to the plate. The firstclipping device includes a first member that runs orthogonal with thefirst horizontal side of the plate, and a second member that runsparallel with the horizontal side of the plate. Similarly, a secondclipping device is affixed to the plate. The second clipping deviceincludes a first member that runs orthogonal with the second horizontalside of the plate, and a second member that runs parallel with thesecond horizontal side of the plate. In this regard, when the apparatusis installed on the baluster, the plate engages the first side of thebaluster, the first member of the first clipping device engages thesecond side of the baluster, the second member of the first clippingdevice and the second member of the second clipping device both engagethe third side of the baluster, and the first member of the secondclipping device engages the fourth side of the baluster.

Various embodiments of the invention are provided in the followingdetailed description. The invention is capable of other and differentembodiments, and the details may be capable of modifications in variousrespects without departing from the invention itself. Accordingly, thedrawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in natureand not in a restrictive or limiting sense.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a holder according to various aspects ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the holder of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of an alternative holder to FIG. 1 where first andsecond clipping devices are generally U-shaped;

FIG. 4 is a first side view of the holder of FIG. 1 attached to abaluster according to various aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a back side view of the holder and baluster of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 6 is a second side view of the holder and baluster of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, an embodimentof a holder 100 is illustrated according to various aspects of thepresent invention. The holder 100 includes an object holding frame 102and a plate 104 that is attached to the object holding frame 102 at aconnection 106. Moreover, the plate 104 includes a first clipping device108 and a second clipping device 110. The first and second clippingdevices 108, 110 are utilized to temporarily attach the holder 100 to abaluster (not shown in FIG. 1) as will be described in greater detailherein.

In an illustrative example, the object holding frame 102 defines a ringhaving a rim 102A. The ring of the object holding frame 102 is shown ina circular shape but can be any shape necessary to support or otherwisesuspend a corresponding item (e.g., a flower pot). For instance, theobject holding device 102 can be dimensioned so as to conform to the rimof the flower pot. As such, the flower pot can sit inside the ring suchthat the rim of the flower pot rests on the rim 102A on the ring of theobject holding frame 102. In alternative configurations, the objectholding frame 102 may comprise a flat solid surface, which provides ashelf for supporting a decorative item.

In an exemplary implementation, the ring of the object holding frame 102is formed from a single generally square or otherwise rectangular hollowtube that is bent into the shape of a ring. As illustrated, the ring isgenerally circular. However, the ring can take on other sizes andshapes, such as square, rectangular, or other shape to support anintended item. Moreover, the object holding frame 102 is preferably madeof steel or other forms of iron. The object holding frame 102 canalternatively be made of any other type of metal, plastic or other rigidmaterial that can withstand the weight of an intended item (e.g., aflower pot). An exemplary diameter of the ring is eight inches (20.32centimeters).

The plate 104 can be permanently attached to the object holding frame102, such as by a weld or other suitable attachment technique. Moreover,in certain implementations, the object holding frame 102 and the plate104 may be formed as an integral unit. In the illustrative example, theplate 104 is a generally rectangular rigid plate of flat steel or otherform of iron. However, in practice, the plate 104 may be comprised ofother materials. Further, the plate 104 can also take on other shapes.According to certain aspects of the present invention, the plate 104 issmall and compact relative to the size of the object holding frame 102.By way of illustration, keeping with the example of an object holdingframe 102 that has a circular cross-section having a diameter of eightinches (20.32 centimeters), the plate 104 can comprise a 2 inch by 2inch (5.08 cm×5.08 cm) square plate. Thus, the plate 104 isapproximately ¼ the diameter of the object holding frame 102. Inalternative implementations, the height of the plate 104 when installedon the baluster, is configured to be greater than the width of thebaluster.

In the illustrative example, the plate 104 has a first face 112Adefining a first flat major surface and a second face 112B (not visiblein FIG. 1) defining a second flat major surface. The plate 104 also hastwo horizontal sides, 114A and 114B and two vertical sides, 116A and116B. In this regard, the plate 104 is oriented such that the first face112A and second face 112B are oriented orthogonal to the object holdingframe 102 so as to extend radially out from the rim 102A of the objectholding frame 102. In this regard, the plate 104 is affixed to theobject holding device 102 such that the first flat major surface of theplate extends radially out from the object holding device 102 (e.g.,from the rim 102A of the ring), and the first flat major surface isorthogonal to the cross-section of the object holding device 102 (e.g.,orthogonal to the cross-section of the rim). Moreover, the connection106 couples the plate 104 to the object holding frame 102. For instance,the connection 106 may bisect the first vertical side 116A of the plate104.

As a few exemplary alternative configurations, the plate 104 can be anysize and shape, such as a three inch (7.62 cm) by five inch (12.7 cm)rectangle. Regardless of particular dimensions, illustrative exampleconfigurations are composed such that the object holding device 102,plate 104 and clipping devices 108, 110 will provide suitable strength,weight and durability such that holder 100 will stay affixed to thebaluster without an object having to be placed into the object holdingframe 102. Moreover, fasteners, nails, screws or other securements arenot required to mount the holder 100 to a baluster. In other words, aswill be described in greater detail herein, the holder 100 is selfsupporting when properly installed on a suitable baluster.

The first clipping device 108 is affixed to, and extends from, the firstflat major surface of the plate 104. Similarly, the second clippingdevice 110 is affixed to, and extends from, the first flat major surfaceof the plate 104. In this regard, the first and second clipping devices108, 110 can be made of steel, iron, other material. Moreover, the firstand second clipping devices 108, 110 can be attached to the plate 104such as by welding or other form of attachment, or the first and secondclipping devices 108, 110 can be integrally formed with the plate 104.In the exemplary configuration, the first and second clipping devices108, 110 are fixedly positioned in a spaced-apart, opposing fashion soas to form a vertical channel therethrough when oriented such that thecross section of the object holding device 102 extends horizontally outfrom the plate 104. In this illustrative example, since the first andsecond clipping devices 108, 110 are fixedly positioned on the plate 104the vertical channel has a fixed cross-section. Moreover, while twoclipping devices 108, 110 are shown in the illustrative example, anynumber greater than one of clipping devices can be used.

Referring to FIG. 2, in an exemplary implementation as illustrated, thefirst clipping device 108 has a first member 108A having a length thatextends or otherwise projects out from the plate 104 orthogonal from thefirst face 112A substantially from the corner of the first horizontalside 114A and the second vertical side 116B. The first clipping device108 also includes a second member 108B that extends or otherwiseprojects out from the end of the first member 108A in a directionorthogonal to the length of the first member 108A and towards the rim102A (and thus, in a direction parallel to the first face 112A andtowards the rim 102A of the object holding device 102). In this regard,the first member 108A and the second member 108B each have an edge thatlies in a plane that is parallel to the first horizontal side 114A.Moreover, the first member 108 has an edge that lies in a plane parallelto the second vertical side 116B.

The second clipping device 110 has a first member 110A having a lengththat extends or otherwise projects out from the plate 104 orthogonal tothe first face 112A so as to be positioned adjacent to the secondhorizontal side 114B and inset from the second vertical side 116B. Thesecond clipping device 110 also includes a second member 110B thatextends or otherwise projects out from the end of the first member 110Ain a direction orthogonal to the length of the first member and awayfrom the rim 102A (and thus, in a direction parallel to the first face112A and away from the rim 102A of the object holding device 102). Inthis regard, the first member 110A and the second member 110B each havean edge that lies in a plane that is parallel to the second horizontalside 114B.

Thus, the first member 108A of the first clipping device 108 extendsparallel and in the same direction as the first member 110A of thesecond clipping device 110. However, the second member 108B of the firstclipping device extends parallel to and in the opposite direction of thesecond member 110B of the second clipping device.

Keeping with the above-illustrative example, in an illustrativeimplementation, the first member 108A of the first clipping device 108,and the first member 110A of the second clipping device 110, may each beapproximately ½″ (1.27 cm) wide and 1″ to 1¼″ (2.54-3.175 cm) in length.The second member 108B of the first clipping device 108 and the secondmember 110B of the second clipping device 10 may each be approximately¼″-⅜″ (0.63-0.95 cm) in length. In this regard, the first and secondclipping devices 108, 110 can be “L” shaped, “U” shaped or other shape.Moreover, one of the clipping devices 108, 110 can be a bar, while theother one of the clipping devices 108, 110 is generally U-shaped. Otherconfigurations of the clipping devices can alternatively be implemented.

As best illustrated in FIG. 2, when looking down at the holder 100 froma top view, the first and second clipping devices 108, 110 form achannel therebetween for receiving a baluster, as will be described ingreater detail below.

According to aspects of the present invention, when the cross-section ofthe object holding device 102 is oriented horizontally, the verticalheight between the first clipping device 108 and the second clippingdevice 110 is twice the horizontal distance between the first clippingdevice 108 and the second clipping device 110. This arrangement allowsthe holder 100 to be installed on a typical square baluster using arotational motion with the holder, as will be described in greaterdetail herein.

Referring to FIG. 3, for instance, the first and second clipping devices108′, 110′ can each comprise a generally U-shaped member that isconfigured such that the U-shape of the first clipping device 108 openstowards the object holding device 102 and the U-shape of the secondclipping device 110 opens away from the object holding device 102. Here,the first and second clipping devices 108′, 110′ are analogous to thefirst and second clipping devices 108, 110 discussed above, except thatthe shape is generally U-shaped as opposed to L-shaped or some othershape. In an illustrative implementation, the horizontal distancebetween a bottom of the U-shape of the first clipping device and abottom of the U-shape of the second clipping device, when thecross-section of the object holding device is oriented horizontally,corresponds to the depth of the baluster to which the apparatus isconfigured to attach.

As yet another illustrative example, when the cross-section of theobject holding device 102 is oriented horizontally, the vertical heightbetween the first clipping device 108′ and the second clipping device110′ (or the vertical height between the first clipping device 108 andsecond clipping device 110) is twice the horizontal distance between thebottom of the U-shape of the first clipping device 108′ and the bottomof the U-shape of the second clipping device 110′ (or of the horizontaldistance between the inside surfaces of the first member 108A of thefirst clipping device 108 and the first member 110A of the secondclipping device 110. For instance, the vertical height may beapproximately 1″ (2.54 cm) and the horizontal distance can beapproximately ½″ (1.27 cm).

Referring to FIG. 4, the holder 100 is illustrated mounted on a baluster120. As illustrated, when properly installed on a suitably dimensionedbaluster 120, the object holding frame 102 extends out substantiallyhorizontally in a cantilever-like fashion. The first and second clippingdevices 108, 110 cooperate with the plate 104 to temporarily suspend theholder 100 from the baluster 120 with no use of fasteners or othersecurements (e.g., nails, screws, etc.). Thus, the object holding device102 and the plate 104 have sufficient weight that the holder 100 istemporarily suspended on the baluster 120 independently of securementspenetrating through the plate 104 and into the baluster 120 andindependently of weight added to the object holding device 102.Accordingly, the holder 100 temporarily secures to a baluster 120 wheninstalled such that the baluster 120 passes through the channel, evenwhile the object holding device 102 is empty. Moreover, no tools oradditional items are necessary to temporarily attach the holder 100 tothe baluster 120.

To install the holder 100, the holder 100 is positioned in front of thebaluster 120 and is rotated so that the object holding frame 102 isangled upward relative to the plate 104. As the holder 100 is rotatedup, the horizontal spacing between the free ends of the second members108B, 110B of the clipping devices 108, 110 begins to increase to thepoint where the horizontal space between the free ends of the secondmembers 108B, 110B exceeds the depth of the baluster 120. The holder 100is then slipped around the circumference of the baluster 120 such thebaluster 120 is received in the channel between the first and secondclipping devices 108, 110. The first clipping device 108 should bepositioned vertically higher than the second clipping device 110. Inthis regard, the holder 100 is allowed to pivot downward. As the holder100 pivots downward, the first member 108A of the first clipping device108 contacts a back side surface of the baluster 120. Similarly, thefirst member 110A or the second clipping device 110 contacts the frontside of the baluster. The weight of the object holding frame 102, whichnow cantilevers from the baluster 120, causes a frictional force to beapplied against the baluster 120 by the first and second clippingdevices 108, 110 such that the holder 100 temporarily maintains itselfin suspension on the baluster 120. Moreover, the force is strong enoughto support the weight of an object placed on the object holding frame102, e.g., a potted plant.

To remove the holder 100, the user grasps the object holding frame 102and pivots the frame upward. Once pivoted, the user slides the holdersideways to release the baluster 120 from the channel formed between thefirst and second clipping devices 108, 110. The holder 100 can then bepulled away from the baluster 120. Removal of the holder 100 from thebaluster 120 can be done with or without an item installed in/on theobject holding frame 102.

With reference now generally to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, in the exemplaryimplementation, the channel formed between the first clipping device 108and the second clipping device 110 is generally square or rectangular.As such, the particular exemplary holder 100 is suitable for use on abaluster 120 having a generally rectangular cross-section withdimensions similar to that of the channel. In this regard, when theholder 100 is temporarily attached to the baluster 120, the plate 104 ispositioned adjacent to a first side of the baluster 120. The firstmember 108A of the first clipping device 108 is positioned adjacent to asecond side of the baluster 120. Both the second member 108B of thefirst clipping device 108 and the second member 110B of the secondclipping device 110 are positioned adjacent to a third side of thebaluster 120 and the first member 110A of the second clipping device 110is positioned adjacent to a fourth side of the baluster 120.

Specifically, a baluster will typically have four sides. The clippingdevices 108, 110 (optionally in conjunction with the plate 104) cantouch all four sides of the baluster 120. Additionally, as the diameterand shape of balusters vary, the clipping devices 108, 110 can be anyshape, length and width such that the holder 100 will hold an intendeditem (e.g., a flower pot) onto a baluster without any other assistanceor means. In this regard, not even the weight of the intended item isnecessary for the holder to maintain a self-suspending position on thebaluster 120. While discussed herein in the context of a flower potholder in conjunction with balusters, it is to be appreciated that thisinvention is suited to be placed on poles, railings, or any of the likeso long as the channel formed between the first clipping device 108 andthe second clipping device 110 correspond to the cross-section of thepole, rail, post, etc.

As noted in greater detail herein, when the holder 100 is mounted to avertical support structure, e.g., a baluster, the object holding frame102 extends radially out orthogonal to the baluster. In this regard,where the object holding frame 102 comprises a loop, an axis passingthrough the loop is substantially parallel to the baluster 120.

In an illustrative implementation, the entire flower pot holder 100 ismade of painted, powder coated or otherwise colored metal, e.g., steel.However, the flower pot holder 100 can be made of alternative materialsso long as the material can be made with sufficient strength, weight anddurability to be able to hold itself on a baluster without having anobject within the object holding frame 102 and/or without any othermeans or assistance, e., securements such as nails, screws, etc. Theplate 104 is welded onto the object holding frame 102. Similarly, theclipping devices 108, 110 are welded onto the plate 104. However, anyother method of attachment can be used to adhere the plate 104 to theobject holding frame 102, the clipping devices 108, 110, or both to theplate 104. method of attachment.

As noted above, the clipping devices 108, 110 are arranged on the plate104 in such a way that the flower pot holder 100 stays in place on thebaluster 120 without a flower pot having to be placed in the objectholding frame 102. Also, as noted in greater detail herein, thestructures described more fully herein can be used to hold a multitudeof objects such as buckets of water, buckets of rocks, any type ofdecoration or any type of object which an individual would want to beaffixed to a baluster not only on the outside deck, front porch andstairwell area, but also in the lawn or inside a building or having astairwell.

According to various aspects of the present invention, a holder isprovided that readily attaches and detaches from a baluster, such as astairway rail, a deck post, fence post, etc. In this regard, thesurfaces of the baluster may each be flat and smooth. Accordingly, thesurfaces of the holder that are adjacent to the flat surfaces of thebaluster may also be flat to provide a suitably sized contact area tocreate the holding force necessary to temporarily suspend the holder 100on the baluster. The holder attaches and detaches quickly from abaluster without tools, fasteners or other extra items. Moreover, theholder attaches and detaches from the baluster without requiringadjustments, or other user-configurable changes to the holder. Stillfurther, the compact design of the holder allows the device to take up aminimal footprint of the baluster, thus providing the ability to use theholder, even in environments with constrained space availability. Inthis manner, the small size of the plate 104 allows the flower potholder 100 to be used in multiples (e.g., on opposite sides of abaluster, in close proximity to each other, etc.). Yet further, thedesign of the holder facilitates self supporting on the baluster withoutrequiring the additional weight of the item to be held, thus making iteasy to install and use the holder.

It is understood that the above is a description of the preferredembodiment of the invention and that various changes, alterations andmodifications that would be apparent to someone skilled in art could bemade without departing from the spirit and broader aspects thereof.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

The description of the present invention has been presented for purposesof illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Having thus described the invention of the present application in detailand by reference to embodiments thereof, it will be apparent thatmodifications and variations are possible without departing from thescope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

1. An apparatus for holding a flower pot comprising: an object holdingdevice dimensioned to conform to the rim of the flower pot; a plateaffixed to the object holding device such that a first flat majorsurface of the plate extends radially out from the object holding deviceand the first flat major surface is orthogonal to the cross-section ofthe object holding device; a first clipping device affixed to andextending from the first flat major surface of the plate; and a secondclipping device affixed to and extending from the first flat majorsurface of the plate; wherein: the first and second clipping devices arefixedly positioned in spaced apart opposing fashion so as to form avertical channel therethrough when oriented such that the cross sectionof the object holding device extends horizontally out from the plate,the vertical channel having a fixed cross-section; and the apparatustemporarily secures to a baluster when installed such that the balusterpasses through the channel, even while the object holding device isempty.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the object holding devicecomprises a rectangular hollow tube that is bent into an annular ring.3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, when the cross-section of theobject holding device is oriented horizontally, the vertical heightbetween the first clipping device and the second clipping device istwice the horizontal distance between the first clipping device and thesecond clipping device.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the firstand second clipping devices each comprise a generally U-shape memberthat are configured such that the U-shape of the first clipping deviceopens towards the object holding device, and the U-shape of the secondclipping device opens away from the object holding device.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 4, wherein the horizontal distance between a bottomof the U-shape of the first clipping device and a bottom of the U-shapeof the second clipping device, when the cross-section of the objectholding device is oriented horizontally, corresponds to the depth of thebaluster to which the apparatus is configured to attach.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 4, wherein, when the cross-section of the objectholding device is oriented horizontally, the vertical height between thefirst clipping device and the second clipping device is twice thehorizontal distance between the bottom of the U-shape of the firstclipping device and the bottom of the U-shape of the second clippingdevice.
 7. A holder comprising: an object holding device defining a ringhaving rim; a plate extending radially out from the rim of the ring, theplate having a first flat surface oriented orthogonal to the crosssection of the rim; a first clipping device having: a first member and asecond member, the first member having a length extending out from theplate orthogonal to the first flat surface and the second memberextending out from the end of the first member in a direction orthogonalto the length of the first member and towards the rim; and a secondclipping device having: a first member and a second member, the firstmember having a length extending out from the plate orthogonal to thefirst flat surface and the second member extending out from the end ofthe first member in a direction orthogonal to the length of the firstmember and away from the rim; wherein: the first clipping device and thesecond clipping device are so positioned on the plate so as to form achannel therebetween; and the holder is temporarily installable onto abaluster such that the baluster passes through the channel and: the flatsurface of the plate is adjacent a first side of the baluster; the firstmember of the first clipping device is adjacent to a second side of thebaluster; both the second member of the first clipping device and thesecond member of the second clipping device are adjacent to a third sideof the baluster; and the first member of the second clipping device isadjacent to a fourth side of the baluster.
 8. The holder of claim 7,wherein the object holding device and the plate have sufficient weightthat the holder is temporarily suspended on the baluster independentlyof securements penetrating through the plate and into the baluster. 9.The holder of claim 7, wherein the object holding device and the platehave sufficient weight that the holder is temporarily suspended on thebaluster independently of weight added to the object holding device. 10.The holder according to claim 7, wherein the first and second clippingdevices are permanently attached to the plate so as to define a channelhaving a fixed cross-section therebetween.
 11. The holder according toclaim 7, wherein ring comprises a single shaped rectangular hollow tube.12. The holder according to claim 7, wherein the height of the platewhen installed on a baluster is less than or equal to one quarter of thediameter of the ring.
 13. The holder according to claim 7, wherein theheight of the plate when installed on the baluster, is configured to begreater than the width of the baluster.
 14. The apparatus of claim 7,wherein, when the cross-section of the object holding device is orientedhorizontally, the vertical height between the first clipping device andthe second clipping device is twice the horizontal distance between thefirst clipping device and the second clipping device.
 15. The apparatusof claim 7, wherein the first and second clipping devices each comprisea generally U-shape member that are configured such that the U-shape ofthe first clipping device opens towards the object holding device, andthe U-shape of the second clipping device opens away from the objectholding device.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the horizontaldistance between a bottom of the U-shape of the first clipping deviceand a bottom of the U-shape of the second clipping device, when thecross-section of the object holding device is oriented horizontally,corresponds to the depth of the baluster to which the apparatus isconfigured to attach.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein, when thecross-section of the object holding device is oriented horizontally, thevertical height between the first clipping device and the secondclipping device is twice the horizontal distance between the bottom ofthe U-shape of the first clipping device and the bottom of the U-shapeof the second clipping device.
 18. An apparatus for holding a flowerpot, where the apparatus attaches to a baluster having a first, second,third and four side; the apparatus comprising: an object holding devicedimensioned to conform to the rim of the flower pot; a plate affixed tothe object holding device, wherein the plate comprises a firsthorizontal side, a second horizontal side, a first vertical side, and asecond vertical side; and a first clipping device affixed to the platecomprising a first member that runs orthogonal with the first horizontalside of the plate, and a second member that runs parallel with thehorizontal side of the plate; and a second clipping device affixed tothe plate comprising a first member that runs orthogonal with the secondhorizontal side of the plate, and a second member that runs parallelwith the second horizontal side of the plate, wherein the plate engagesthe first side of the baluster; wherein the first member of the firstclipping device engages the second side of the baluster; wherein thesecond member of the first clipping device and the second member of thesecond clipping device each engage the third side of the baluster; andwherein the first member of the second clipping device engages thefourth side of the baluster.